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Drinking Alcohol and Lithium: Side Effects & Dangers

Lithium is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of bipolar disorder, and it can reduce symptoms of mania, as well as how often mania occurs. Lithium can also help treat bipolar disorder and depression, but as with most medicines for mood disorders, it’s not without potential side effects and possible interactions with other substances.

A question people frequently have is whether or not they can combine alcohol and lithium, and the combining drinking alcohol and lithium side effects & dangers. The following are some things to know about drinking alcohol and lithium side effects & dangers, and a general overview of the drug as well.

Both lithium and alcohol affect the central nervous system and knowing that helps understand the potential drinking alcohol and lithium side effects and dangers.

Because of the fact that alcohol and lithium both affect the Central Nervous System (CNS), when you take them together it can increase side effects related to the central nervous system specifically. Some of these side effects that can be amplified with the combination of alcohol and lithium include dizziness, concentration problems and drowsiness.

It’s recommended that people on lithium avoid or limit their use of alcohol, because in addition to the side effects above, it can also lead to impaired judgement and thinking, and you should never do anything requiring mental alertness when you’ve used alcohol and lithium.

There are other considerations with lithium and alcohol aside from just the central nervous system effects. One of these is the fact that when you drink alcohol it can dehydrate you. This can lead the amount of lithium in your blood to rise and it can become toxic.

Even when you’re not planning to combine alcohol and lithium you’re advised to stay hydrated throughout the day, so combining alcohol and lithium necessitates this even more.

People on lithium are advised to put their focus on making sure they maintain a balanced diet, and this can be interrupted by alcohol. Because of how heavily lithium affects sodium levels in your blood, it’s extremely important that you’re vigilant here.

Something else to consider isn’t necessarily drinking alcohol and lithium side effects and dangers in the direct sense, but it is indirectly related. When you suffer from bipolar disorder and depression, alcohol can make your symptoms worse, regardless of whether or not you’re on lithium. It’s important that you’re aware of the fact that alcohol is a depressant, so it may not be advisable for someone with bipolar to drink, particularly not excessively.

It’s not just alcohol and lithium to consider when it comes to possible interactions either. Even drinking too much coffee, tea or any caffeinated beverage can also decrease your body’s levels of lithium and make the drug less effective.

So, to sum up what should you know about drinking alcohol and lithium side effects & dangers?

Drinking alcohol and lithium usually isn’t advised because it can make the symptoms of both the medicine and bipolar disorder more pronounced. Drinking lithium and alcohol can also change your blood levels of sodium because of dehydration, which is another risk. In general, combining lithium and alcohol may not be advised, and you should always speak to your doctor about potential risks and side effects.

Both lithium and alcohol affect the central nervous system and knowing that helps understand the potential drinking alcohol and lithium side effects and dangers.

Because of the fact that alcohol and lithium both affect the CNS, when you take them together it can increase side effects related to the central nervous system specifically. Some of these side effects that can be amplified with the combination of alcohol and lithium include dizziness, concentration problems and drowsiness.

It’s recommended that people on lithium avoid or limit their use of alcohol, because in addition to the side effects above, it can also lead to impaired judgement and thinking, and you should never do anything requiring mental alertness when you’ve used alcohol and lithium.

There are other considerations with lithium and alcohol aside from just the central nervous system effects. One of these is the fact that when you drink alcohol it can dehydrate you. This can lead the amount of lithium in your blood to rise and it can become toxic.

Even when you’re not planning to combine alcohol and lithium you’re advised to stay hydrated throughout the day, so combining alcohol and lithium necessitates this even more.

People on lithium are advised to put their focus on making sure they maintain a balanced diet, and this can be interrupted by alcohol. Because of how heavily lithium affects sodium levels in your blood, it’s extremely important that you’re vigilant here.

Something else to consider isn’t necessarily drinking alcohol and lithium side effects and dangers in the direct sense, but it is indirectly related. When you suffer from bipolar depression alcohol can make your symptoms worse, regardless of whether or not you’re on lithium. It’s important that you’re aware of the fact that alcohol is a depressant, so it may not be advisable for someone with bipolar to drink, particularly not excessively.

It’s not just alcohol and lithium to consider when it comes to possible interactions either. Even drinking too much coffee, tea or any caffeinated beverage can also decrease your body’s levels of lithium and make the drug less effective.

So, to sum up what should you know about drinking alcohol and lithium side effects & dangers?

Drinking alcohol and lithium usually isn’t advised because it can make the symptoms of both the medicine and bipolar depression more pronounced. Drinking lithium and alcohol can also change your blood levels of sodium because of dehydration, which is another risk. In general, combining lithium and alcohol may not be advised, and you should always speak to your doctor about potential risks and side effects.

Seeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help.

Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.